Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 03/03/2008

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Board Member Max advised that it really would be the choice of the Parks . & Recreation Commission as far as species selection. Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that he had spoke with Parks Supervisor Mark Riverblood and the theme being worked on for Riverdale Park is fruit trees, but not necessarily crab apple. He advised that if the Board were to work with a local nursery, there would be a greater selection of fruit trees. He stated that after his discussion with Mr. Riverblood, they had discussed this event being a regular meeting for the EPB with an extended invitation to the Parks & Recreation Commission to attend the meeting for the tree planting. He advised that they could also try to get QCTV to attend the meeting so more of the public would be able to see the tree planting. Board Member Sibilski suggested that the Anoka Union paper be notified of the event to get the word out to residents that may want to attend. Board Member Max advised that they could create a demonstration of fruit trees that work well in Ramsey and turn this event into an educational experience as well. Board Member Stodola questioned if fruit trees would cause debris in the park and create more work as they drop fruit compared to some other trees. Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that all trees create litter of one sort or another. He advised that fruit certainly has more of a tendency to be messy, but it also feeds wildlife. He stated that the fruit trees probably would not be in a high traffic area. Board Member Freeburg advised that they have lost two trees recently in Riverdale Park, and another that is currently dying. He questioned if there was also intent to replace those trees. Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that he did not know if they were slated for replacement or not. Board Member Freeburg questioned if the trees would be staked to prevent kids from vandalizing them. Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that his position on staking trees is that stakes are only utilized when absolutely necessary. He stated that trees develop a more established root system without the added bracing of stakes. He added that staking is not necessarily a good prevention of vandalism either. Chairperson McDilda questioned what the consensus of the Board was for this event. Board Member Max advised that he liked the idea of the educational aspect to planting fruit trees and thought that the Board should go in that direction if someone had the contact information for fruit trees. He advised that they could plant a couple different types of apple trees. . Board Member Bentz questioned if there is ever a concern for planting big trees, such as oak. Chairperson McDilda believed that the Board should not over think this event. He advised that it is the first year that they are doing this and they could collect more money for next year's event. Environmental Policy Board / March 3,2008 Page 3 of8